Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
October 24, 2018 02:00 AM

Kraiburg's thermoplastic elastomer hybrid has broad applications

Shahrzad Pourriahi
Plastics News Europe
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Caroline Seidel, Plastics News
    Franz Hinterecker CEO from Kraiburg TPE at Fakuma.

    FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany—German compounder Kraiburg TPE is bringing "the best of both worlds" together in a technology that can produce high-performance thermoplastic elastomer hybrids.

    The company is at the testing phase of the TEH technology, which can combine the processability of plastics with application properties of elastomers to create chemical- and heat-resistant hybrid materials.

    "With this technology, higher temperature resistance of up to 150°, we aim to enter into new markets such as automotive and industrial machinery," Kraiburg TPE CEO Franz Hinterecker said.

    The performance properties of these TEH materials include hardness from 55-80 Shore A, permanent operating temperatures of up to 150° C (302° F) and chemical stability against materials such as oils, lubricants, fuels and coolants.

    The products are particularly suitable for use in the environment of internal combustion engines, in heat management of drives and batteries for electric vehicles, as well as in lubrication and cooling systems of machines, process technology and buildings.

    The difference between TEH materials and other conventional thermoplastic elastomers is the polymer basis, according to Hinterecker.

    "To put it very simply, we can use almost any kind of rubber to produce these products. So, we have created a kind of platform where we can compound different kinds of TPEs based on rubber technology," he said.

    Caroline Seidel, Plastics News

    A Playmobil Fairy made with Kraiburg TPE.

    Up until now, classic TPEs used mainly EPDM/polypropylene blends as a base, which limited the performance of the product.

    According to Hinterecker, Kraiburg TPE is currently collaborating with customers to find new applications for the material, which the company says offers the advantage of cost-efficiency in addition to fast processability.

    With demand for TPEs on the rise, Hinterecker pointed to a number of expansion plans currently underway at various global locations.

    In Malaysia, the company is adding a fifth extrusion line by the end of this year to add 5,000 metric tons of capacity.

    In Waldkraiburg, Germany, an expansion project already is underway by adding an extrusion line, which should be ready by the first quarter of next year. The new 10,000-ton-per-year line will raise the company's European compounding capacity to 40,000 tons.

    Also on display this year at Fakuma are Kraiburg TPE's new series of Thermolast K multipurpose TPEs, developed specifically for the automotive interior market.

    Caroline Seidel, Plastics News

    A TPE dinosaur from Kraiburg TPE at Fakuma.

    The new compounds focus on fogging and volatile organic compounds with low odor. The compounds feature properties such as reliable adhesion to polypropylene and good abrasion resistance. The materials can also be processed at relatively low pressures.

    "Odor has become a big topic in the automotive industry. We have had different experiences with respect to odor. In China, customers want absolutely no odor in a new car, whereas in Europe, buyers expect the smell of a new car," Hinterecker said.

    Testing the odor has proved difficult for the company as it can be a subjective issue.

    Despite the different odor appetites, the VOC emissions remain a serious issue for every region, and the newly developed compounds will address that.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Nokian poised to immediately exit Russia
    2
    One killed, two injured in shooting at WeatherTech facility
    3
    Bridgestone opens $21 million race tire plant, boasts guayule-based Firehawk
    4
    Bridgestone creates silicone-based self-sealing tires
    5
    DuPont tailors its adhesives as EVs get more sophisticated
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION